Rajnath Singh Holds Bilateral Defence Talks with Five Nations at Aero India 2025

During the meeting with Ethiopian Defence Minister Mrs. Aisha Mohammed (Eng.), both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral defence relationship.

 On the sidelines of Aero India 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh engaged in significant bilateral meetings with Defence Ministers from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. These discussions focused on strengthening defence ties, enhancing military training, and exploring new avenues for defence industry cooperation.

In his meeting with Zimbabwe's Minister of Defence, Mrs. Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, both leaders reviewed the existing bilateral defence cooperation and charted a roadmap for future engagements. They agreed to enhance collaboration in training, military courses, and capacity building for the Zimbabwean Armed Forces. An MoU on defence cooperation was signed, signaling a new phase in bilateral ties. Both sides emphasized the importance of regular engagements to effectively implement the MoU and affirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration between their defence industries for the production and maintenance of military assets. Additionally, cooperation in Military Medicine was discussed.

India and Ethiopia Institutionalize Defence Ties

During the meeting with Ethiopian Defence Minister Mrs. Aisha Mohammed (Eng.), both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral defence relationship. An MoU was signed to institutionalize ongoing ties, focusing on military training, courses, peacekeeping, and capacity building of the Ethiopian Armed Forces. The discussions also highlighted opportunities for defence industry cooperation, particularly emphasizing India's emerging private sector.

India-Yemen Defence Engagements Enhanced

Raksha Mantri's meeting with Yemen's Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri, focused on enhancing defence engagements. The leaders discussed partnerships in military training, courses, and capacity building for the Yemeni Armed Forces. The meeting provided additional momentum and strategic direction to the evolving defence cooperation between the two countries.

India-Gambia Defence Collaboration Reaffirmed

In discussions with Gambian Defence Minister Mr. Sering Modou Njie, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence ties. They emphasized capacity building, capability enhancement, and the sharing of best practices. Both sides also acknowledged the significant potential for defence industry cooperation, aiming for mutual benefits.

India-Gabon Defence Relations Deepened

The meeting with Gabon's Minister of National Defence, Ms. Brigitte Onkanowa, provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral defence cooperation in depth. Both leaders pledged to continue enhancing cooperation, focusing on training and capability development of the Gabonese Armed Forces. They also explored possibilities for collaboration in the defence industry sector.

These meetings underscore India's growing role as a key defence partner in Africa and the Middle East, reflecting a broader commitment to global security collaboration and capacity building.